#SWAG

So, from the SnailStalker Training Events, what would I say are your essential items?

Bearing in mind that at the time of writing, the SnailStalker team have now covered 377km (234miles) in training we have some ideas of how to keep on your feet!

Essentials

Sturdy back pack with a water bladder - yeah, sure you can take a bottle, but you're endlessly stopping to get the water out of your pack then. When you've been walking for 8 hours or more you just don't want to keep stopping, it interrupts the flow. Do yourself a favour and buy a water bladder - they're around £5 and you can even buy them in Tescos.

Sun hat (and waterproofs!) - even in England. You never know when the sun will surprise you, and if you're out in for long periods of time you'll need your head covered, lest you invite heat-stroke. Keep your noggins cool guys. The waterproofs are of course more obvious ;) you can get travel poncho's for as little as £1, or invest in something sturdier for longer life.

Whistle - hiking for a long time can equal mistakes. If you're out and one of you gets lost/trapped a whistle is a really handy way of helping. Especially if your phone is out of juice/network.

Spare socks - take as many pairs as you can fit into your bag. Seriously. Nothing like the feeling of fresh socks after a couple of hours hiking!

Change of clothes (warm/dry vs thinner) - you never know what the weather will do. Take a fleece and attach it to your bag, you REALLY don't want to get caught out.

Head torch - again, prepare for every eventuality. Last week we were without one and we needed one. They're handy!

Survival bag - don't get caught out. You never know what will happen and you don't want to get cold/wet if something happens and you have to wait for help.

High-vis vests - crossing roads is a pain in the arse. Make sure you're visible.

Suncream - sunburn hurts. It chafes, then it chafes on your chaffing.

Compass

OS maps

FOOD. Lots of food. Bear in mind you'll burn anywhere between 1500-2000 calories for every 2.5 hours you're on rough terrain with a backpack, that's on top of whatever your daily TDEE is. I like a pack of snickers (chocolate, nuts....what more could you want xD) and Trek bars for the occasion.

Wet Wipes - a dream to hot feet and amazing to be able to wipe the sweat off of your face/"wash" your hands.

Vaseline/other lubricant - bra bands = sad panda! Also works well for covering up bites/sunburn if they're getting chaffed.

Stuff that'll make your life easier

Arm band - for your phone/devices. It doesn't need to go on your arm, you can of course strap it onto your bagSafety pins. All sorts of uses!!Spare change. Have a small amount of cash on you. Just in case.Music playing device. Yes, we're a team, but 30 hours with anyone when you're really tired can be overwhelming. Take a iPod or similar device (use your phone in fact) and provide yourself a creature comfort!Spare battery backup for phone. Just invested in one myself. If you're out for a long period (especially if you're going to utilise the phone for music/camera etc) have a spare battery pack. They cost around £20 and they're really handy!Spare shoes. Nuff said.Caribina clips. Really handy for clipping things to. Love them!Metal cup. Always handy and can take a beating!Walking poles. Serious godsend, but can get in the way if you're not using them!Gloves - for walking poles. Yes, you get blisters on your thumbs as well as your feet otherwise!